Taiwan Will Fix Schools Damaged In Earthquakes

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October 24, 1999

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwan will spend $1.1 billion to repair or rebuild hundreds of schools damaged in two major earthquakes that struck in the past two months, Premier Vincent Siew said Saturday. A devastating 7.6-magnitude quake that hit central Taiwan on Sept. 21 damaged some 800 schools. A 6.4-magnitude quake Friday damaged 87 school buildings in Chiayi, officials said. Siew blamed the damage on the lack of repairs over the years because of a money shortage. Authorities will enforce a stricter building code in the reconstruction, he said.